Timeless Peru Getaway

Arrive in Peru’s sprawling capital city and receive a welcome at Lima airport, a Peru Machu Picchu Tours representative will meet you there and accompany you by private vehicle to your hotel, providing insights into the city along the way.

* Lima is home to the Government Palace and world-renowned & award-winning restaurants.

Embark on a guided tour through Lima and uncover its rich history. Wander through the UNESCO-listed historic city center, admire colonial churches, elegant palaces, and charming promenades. End your day with a visit to the renowned Larco Herrera Museum, home to one of South America’s most impressive collections.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure.

* Visit the vibrant suburb of Miraflores or the bohemian district of Barranco, and sample some local culinary delights or a glass of Peru’s national drink ‘Pisco sour’ at one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants in the neighborhood.

Meals: Breakfast.

Transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Arequipa city (1.5 hour approx) commonly known as “The White City” due to its many colonial-era buildings made from ashlar (a white volcanic rock).

Upon arrival at Arequipa airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our representative.

Morning at your own leisure.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided city tour of Arequipa‘s most iconic historical sites. Explore the charming colonial districts of San Lázaro and Yanahuara, wander through the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a 16th-century complex that once sheltered 600 nuns, and visit the Jesuit Church and Basilica Cathedral. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the city and its scenic surroundings.

* Things to do and see in the city: Admire the marvelous city’s colonial architecture, visit Juanita mummy “The Ice Maiden” – the best-preserved mummy in South America, this 12-year old Inca girl was sacrificed in a ritual to please their gods! and enjoy local fare at one of the many restaurants. Try the classic spicy dishes in Arequipa such as rocoto relleno (stuffed chili pepper) or chupe de camarones (prawn soup) — best enjoyed in the city’s communal “Picantería” restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Set out on a guided tour to Colca Canyon, the world’s fourth deepest canyon. Begin with a coca leaf tea stop at Aguada Blanca National Reserve, home to vicuñas, alpacas, guanacos, and llamas. At Tocra Lake, marvel at the diverse migratory birdlife, including flamingos when present. Ascend to the famous volcano panoramic viewpoint at 4,800 meters (15,840 feet), offering breathtaking vistas of the Western mountain range. Conclude the day with a visit to the rejuvenating La Calera hot springs.

Meals: Breakfast.

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for the “Cruz del Cóndor” viewpoint, a 1.5-hour drive into the National Park where you can admire breathtaking views of Colca Canyon. This is the perfect spot to observe the magnificent Andean condors, some of the world’s largest birds, which may soar just a few meters (or feet) away. On the return journey, visit the charming towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, each with beautiful colonial churches, and stop at the Choquetico and Antahuilque viewpoints to see the impressive terraced farms of the valley and Pre-Inca tombs. In the afternoon, take the bus from Patapampa to Puno (approximately 3 hours). Get ready for an exciting journey with plenty of photo opportunities, and prepare for higher altitude and cooler temperatures upon arrival.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Take a boat on the mystical Lake Titicaca, located at 3,800 m / 12,540 ft, making it the world’s highest navigable lake. Cruise to the remarkable floating Uros Islands, built entirely from reeds and home to an ancient community with ancestral roots dating back to Pre-Inca times. Afterwards, sail to Taquile Island, where the local men create handmade woolen garments, a UNESCO-recognized tradition. Enjoy a delicious lunch with breathtaking views of the lake while learning about the indigenous people and their customs.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Transfer to Puno train station for your journey to Cusco aboard the luxurious Andean Explorer. This remarkable train ride is considered one of the most spectacular in South America, offering passengers panoramic views and countless photo opportunities of the majestic Andean landscapes.

This is a full-day journey. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be welcomed at the train station by a Peru Machu Picchu Tours representative, who will transfer you to your selected hotel.

*Optional bus: The journey takes almost a full day, with stops at several fascinating sites along the way, including the Pukara Lithic Museum, the Raqchi Inca Temple, and the Andahuaylillas Church—often called the “Sistine Chapel of South America.”

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Spend your morning exploring the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Visit remarkable Pre-Hispanic Inca sites such as Saqsayhuamán, famous for its massive stone constructions, and the ceremonial center of Q’enqo. Marvel at the Cathedral, one of the continent’s finest churches, featuring over 300 canvases by Inca artists. Immerse yourself in the local culture at San Pedro Market, then wander through San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood with its narrow cobblestone streets, historic plazas, unique workshops, and charming cafés. Discover the enchanting history, artistry, and vibrant spirit that define this remarkable city.

Afternoon at your own leisure.

* What to do and see in your spare time: Admire the city’s remarkable blend of Inca and Colonial architecture, visit the Inca Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and colonial art. Visit a silver workshop to learn about the techniques and intricate designs behind Peru’s high-quality jewelry, or if you’re feeling adventurous—take part in a Peruvian cooking class to discover how the country’s most iconic dishes are prepared. For a true local experience, try Cusco’s traditional specialty cuy (baked guinea pig) or savor grilled alpaca skewers, both popular regional favorites.

Meals: Breakfast.

Start the morning visiting Moray, the “Inca agricultural greenhouse,” an extraordinary site where the Incas conducted experiments to adapt crops to new environments. Proceed to the Maras Salt Mines, a spectacular open-salt complex featuring thousands of pans that have been used since pre-Inca times. Conclude the morning in Ollantaytambo with a memorable lunch, experiencing an ancestral “Andean Pachamanca,” where food is slow-cooked underground using heated stones and leaves, offering a truly authentic taste of Andean culinary tradition.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic 1.5-hour train ride to Machu Picchu, with a light snack served on board. Upon arrival in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, a Peru Machu Picchu Tours representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel.

* The farming terraces of Moray and the Maras Salt Pans are less visited than other sites in the Sacred Valley due to their remote location, which is not accessible by public transport. For this reason, Moray and Maras are often combined on a single Sacred Valley tour.

* How to get: By E-bike, mountain bikes, private car, ATVs or on foot. Need a suggestion,  ⇒ Check with our travel experts for suggestions!

Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Begin your morning with a shuttle bus ride to the Machu Picchu archaeological site. Embark on a guided tour of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary (around 2 hours), where your guide will lead you through the site, sharing fascinating insights into its history and key landmarks. For the more adventurous, consider hiking Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain known locally as “Montaña” (advance reservation required) for stunning panoramic views of the citadel. Alternative, less strenuous hikes include the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge, perfect for enjoying the beauty of Machu Picchu at a relaxed pace  (advance reservation required).

After lunch, board the train back to Ollantaytambo town and continue by bus to your hotel.

*Exploring the sites away from the crowds makes the experience far more enjoyable and authentic.

Meals: Breakfast.

After breakfast, visit Ollantaytambo, a town built around an ancient Inca fortress that was once part of the Royal Estate of Emperor Pachacuti. Admire the sophisticated Inca architecture, town planning, temples, astronomical centers, and fountains. Next, visit a local ceramic workshop to learn about Peruvian pottery and ancient designs, and participate in this traditional craft. Enjoy lunch at one of the best restaurants in town, accompanied by a Paso horse show and stunning views of the Peruvian Andes. Afterwards, stop by the Chinchero community, known as “Peru’s weaving capital,” to learn about ancient Inca techniques and the traditional dyeing process. Return to Cusco and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

* Cusco boasts some of the best dining experiences in Peru, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine, check with our travel experts for suggestions and enjoy your last night in this marvelous city.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado city (45-min approx).

Receive a welcome at Puerto Maldonado Airport and transfer to the selected Lodge.

Upon arrival, the lodge team will escort you to their office in town, where you’ll store most of your luggage in a secure room. You’ll continue your journey with just a small backpack or duffel carrying the essentials for your two-night stay in the jungle.

Next, board a motorized canoe and head upriver toward our eco-friendly lodge in the Madre de Dios region. Here, you’ll find comfortable rooms equipped with en-suite flush toilets, cold-water showers, mosquito nets, and soft lighting.

With our local multilingual guides leading the way, venture deep into the rainforest and discover the vibrant wildlife that calls it home. Keep your eyes open for colorful macaws, playful monkeys, peccaries, jabirus, river otters, and an incredible variety of butterflies as you explore this extraordinary natural paradise.

* Note: Your Amazon guide will walk you through the daily plan, explaining each activity and what to expect during your jungle adventure.

Meals: Breakfast (3), Lunch (2), Dinner (2).

After immersing yourself in the wilds, it’s time to hop back into the canoe and make your way to Puerto Maldonado.

Transfer to Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight to Lima (1.5 hour approx),
and your trip back home or onward to your next destination.

Assistance provided if needed.

Meals: Breakfast.